fbpx

Tesla Powerwall & Powerwall 2: Game Changer for solar storage CASE STUDY

Poundbury has Dorchester’s 1st Solar & Tesla Powerwall installation.
The new battery pack, which provides the ability to store unused solar energy that can be harnessed in the evenings or at other times when the sun isn’t shining, was installed by Poundbury-based Wessex ECOEnergy.

Director of Wessex ECOEnergy Daniel Cole said: “We were really pleased to work with this customer to fit the Powerwall in their home combined with a solar array, the first in Poundbury and Dorchester. Even in March, their home has run entirely on solar power (day and night) for nearly 3 days. Poundbury Estate Director, Simon Conibear said that certain solar systems are allowed in Poundbury, but that residents need to obtain consent from the Duchy of Cornwall before work starts.

Chris Gandy & Mike Walker, Poundbury
Having had solar panels in our previous house, and being very pleased with the much lower electricity bills, we were determined to install more on our new house in Poundbury.  This time we decided to go one better and also have a battery so that we could store the power we were not using, and use it later after dark, or when there was a lot of cooking to be done!

The team from Wessex ECO Energy were very helpful and knowledgeable, and the installation, including the Tesla battery in the garage, was up and running in a very short time.  Even though the days are still very short and the weather is anything but sunny we are already producing about a quarter of our energy needs.  In the summer we expect to increase that considerably.
The whole idea appeals to our “green’ leanings and we are very pleased with it.
Chris and Mike, Poundbury, Dorchester’

What is a Tesla Powerwall 2?
Essentially, a home battery that provides the ability to store unused solar energy.  The battery can also be charged by the grid when energy is cheaper (like economy 7) that can be harnessed in the evenings or at other times when the sun isn’t shining. The new unit is sleeker and smaller with double the energy storage capacity at nearly half the cost per kWh of its predecessor.

Off-Grid, Power Cuts & Off-Peak Charging
Some new features are the ability to provide energy in a power cut, work off-grid and the ability to re-charge the Powerwall when electricity is cheap. These will become the main selling points as the product becomes more widespread.

Tech Spec
The battery’s lithium-ion setup remains the same but it now incorporates an inverter that is taken from the Tesla cars. The capacity is listed at 13.2kWh with 100% depth of discharge. The power is rated at 7kW peak and 5kW continuous. At 125kg and IP rated the battery can be installed outside or in a garage.

Links: https://www.tesla.com/en_GB/energy

 

Install of Tesla Powerwall 1 solar battery storage from box
Install of Tesla Powerwall 1 solar battery storage from box
A contemporary house with a tesla powerwall 2 on the wall